Origin
Salem, MA
Late night in Salem on Wednesday
Local time
3:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Salem, MA to Boston, MA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
27m
Distance
16.1 mi
26 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 25m
★
6 AM
0h 28m
8 AM
0h 33m
10 AM
0h 29m
12 PM
0h 29m
3 PM
0h 30m
5 PM
0h 32m
8 PM
0h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Salem, MA
José Alcalá
Boston, MA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a journey from Salem to Boston, Massachusetts, you'll cover a modest 16.1 miles, a trip that typically takes around 27 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single day, requiring no overnight stays. With a projected fuel cost of just $3, it's an economical option for exploring the Northeast region. The drive primarily utilizes local roads like Western Avenue, Highland Avenue, and Broadway, offering a glimpse into everyday Massachusetts life. Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed highway experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
8 miles from Salem, MA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 13m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This route is characterized by its frequent turns, making it a more engaging local drive than a monotonous interstate cruise. Only 21% of the journey involves highway driving, with the longest continuous stretch measuring 3.6 miles on Western Avenue. As you navigate through towns and neighborhoods, the road will likely feel more intimate and less about covering ground quickly. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience with plenty of transitions between different road types.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Western Avenue is the longest continuous segment at about 3.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Margin Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 16.1 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Margin Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (MA 107 / Highland Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 11 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Margin Street
Turn right onto Margin Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
MA 107 / Highland Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto MA 107 / Highland Avenue
Navigation decision point
8
11 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South: Tobin Bridge, Boston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 1 South: Tobin Bridge, Boston
5
11.2 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
US 1 / Northeast Expressway
Merge onto US 1 / Northeast Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
14.3 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Take the exit toward I 93 North: Somerville, Charlestown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 93 North: Somerville, Charlestown
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Salem, MA to Boston, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlestown along the way.
Charlestown
14.3 mi in
|
~22m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Western Avenue | 3.6 mi | 6m |
| Highland Avenue | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Broadway | 2 mi | 3m |
| Tobin Bridge | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| Salem Turnpike | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| Northeast Expressway | 1.4 mi | 1m |
| North Washington Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Jackson Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Western Avenue
— 3.6 mi, about 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem, MA and Boston, MA.
1
Start on Gedney Street
150 ft
·
9 sec
·
Gedney Street
2
Turn right onto Margin Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Margin Street
3
Continue on Jefferson Avenue
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Jefferson Avenue
4
Turn right onto Jackson Street
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Jackson Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto MA 107
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Highland Avenue
6
Continue on MA 107
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Western Avenue
7
Enter roundabout onto MA 107
178 ft
·
2 sec
·
Western Avenue
8
Continue on MA 107
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Western Avenue
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on MA 107
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Salem Turnpike
10
Continue on MA 107
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
11
Turn slight right onto MA 60; MA 107
328 ft
·
11 sec
·
Albert J Brown Circle
12
Turn slight right onto MA 107
148 ft
·
5 sec
·
Broadway
13
Continue on MA 107
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway
14
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
15
Merge onto MA 16
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
Revere Beach Parkway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 1 South: Tobin Bridge, Boston
Use the right lane.
17
Merge onto US 1
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 1
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Tobin Bridge
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 93 North: Somerville, Charlestown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto MA 99
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
New Rutherford Avenue
21
Continue on MA 99
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Washington Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Turn right onto New Chardon Street
0.2 mi
·
51 sec
·
New Chardon Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn left onto Bulfinch Place
492 ft
·
18 sec
·
Bulfinch Place
24
Turn right onto Sudbury Street
121 ft
·
6 sec
·
Sudbury Street
25
Turn left onto Cambridge Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Cambridge Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Continue on Tremont Street
190 ft
·
6 sec
·
Tremont Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Arrive at destination
Tremont Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 16.1-mile distance and 27-minute duration, this drive offers considerable flexibility for departure times. You can easily adjust your schedule to avoid peak traffic, especially as you approach Boston. Since there are no recommended stops and the fuel cost is minimal at $3, focus on enjoying the local scenery. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to the many turns, particularly on Western Avenue, as it's the longest uninterrupted stretch and a key part of navigating efficiently.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 8 miles from Salem, MA, or about 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 3.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 16.1 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 8 miles or 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Boston, MA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Salem, MA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Salem, MA
This is one driving day of about 16.1 miles and 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Salem, MA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Western Avenue for about 3.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 8 mi from Salem, MA · 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
8 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 16.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 8 miles from Salem, MA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Boston, MA
The final approach into Boston, MA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Boston, MA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$2.58 one way
$5.15 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
6 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $2.81 | $5.62 |
| premium | $4.82 | $3.06 | $6.11 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.55 | $7.11 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Salem Turnpike
(1.7 mi)
$0.12
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.8 | 0 | $1.69 | $0.77 |
| Efficient EV | 4 | 0 | $1.41 | $0.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.4 | 0 | $2.25 | $1.03 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Boston, MA
Late night in Boston on Wednesday
Local time
3:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
31°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
8 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
43 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
27m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Salem, MA to Boston, MA covers 16.1 miles and takes about 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Western Avenue, Highland Avenue, Broadway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 8 miles from Salem, MA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $2.58 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 16.1 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Margin Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (MA 107 / Highland Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 11 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Salem, MA to Boston, MA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlestown along the way.
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